5 A light toast

Zhang Wang smiled, his eyes lecherously trailed down to the girls' low cut dresses and pushed up breasts. Could he really be faulted if they flaunted their assets so readily at him? It wasn't like he was putting his hands on them without permission. "Thank you for the offer, lovely ladies. Though I am currently searching for an inn, is there a place that you could recommend to my big brother and I?"

Their eyes were heated, sparkling and their voices honeyed when they took notice of the man that accompanied Zhang Wang. It would be no mistake to say that they were flocking to them like eager salivating dogs, "Oh, Dage please come spend tonight with this humble one. I promise it will not be a waste of money. I can even give you a discount."

"Wait, I had my eyes on him first, shoo, go somewhere else."

Yu Yanlin frowned at them and then turned his gaze toward Zhang Wang. He didn't even look helpless, only a bit lost. His lips slightly pursed he seemed like he was about to sigh but didn't. The girls gripped at his sleeves, their heights barely reaching his shoulder.

The Immortal of a Thousand Blossoms scowled and cursed his luck, being stuck with a guy like this. "Lovely ladies," he schooled his features and said, "I'm truly sorry to disappoint you…but my big brother here is already engaged. We are only looking for a place to rest for the night if you could kindly point us in the right direction I will graciously show my gratitude."

One of the girls pouted and refused to let go despite Zhang Wang's words, "What? It's not a problem as long as she doesn't find out, right?"

Urgh, it was definitely a problem! Minus the fact that she wasn't real!

Luckily the other girl had more sense in her and seemed to perk up when the Immortal of a Thousand Blossoms mentioned showing gratitude. The underlying meaning was not lost to her.

"Unfortunately, there are no inns around here anymore, not after all the conscription that have been taking all of our capable men. If you want an establishment to rest for the night, then ours will be your only option around here." Her words were not skewed with any sweet flirting and there was no reason for her to lie.

"I see," Zhang Wang frowned, "then is it possible to get a room without buying any services?"

It wasn't as if he didn't want to, but with Yu Yanlin around with him…He just needed to get a room first.

The girl tilted her head, "It is unusual…I'm not too sure about that…"

He noticed that she wasn't outright saying no. "If you are able to put in a word to the owner then I would be most grateful to you."

"If xiao gege is so generous then I will see what can be done."

She held out her hand discretely and Zhang Wang quickly deposited a few coins. Her eyes widened at the amount before she quickly hid them in her bosom.

"Get off him, idiot!" She slapped the other girl hanging off Yu Yanlin's arm, "aiya, stop your drooling, it's unbecoming." The girl pulled the other off of Yu Yanlin's arm before welcoming them inside the establishment. "Please wait here, Young Masters. I will have a word with the Head Mistress."

Past a veil of beads and silks, the interior of the brothel was full of incense smoke and red painted walls. It was so thick that it made Zhang Wang cough. He never liked the smell of incense much and would almost just rather the fishy smell of sex.

Eventually, the girl returned and bowed to them with a smile on her face, "Please follow me, we have prepared Young Masters an empty room."

It was after they entered the room that Zhang Wang recognized his oversight. Ah! There was only one bed… ugh. Should he try to bribe another room out of them? But it seemed a bit unfair since they needed these rooms to conduct business and Zhang Wang couldn't really afford forking out double the amount he just paid.

He sighed, lamenting over his own stupidity. Oh well, he will just have to suffer the consequences now and hopefully after he's had his fill on alcohol.

The girl introduced herself as Xiao Meizi and Zhang Wang thought she was quite cute and also sensible. She did not try pushing herself on them as before and spoke in a calm and polite tone. "If Young Masters so please, Xiao Meizi can prepare some wine for you."

"That would be nice," Zhang Wang agreed almost a bit too quickly. The girl bowed before excusing herself.

After the door slid closed after her departure, Yu Yanlin finally spoke up, "I see that you have a way with words."

What? He didn't even do anything. "Ahh, don't flatter me it'll make me blush," he snickered at his own joke, "All I did was buy a little favor that's all. It's nothing special at all."

"Hm, that is perhaps true."

…Well, more flattery would also have been nice, Zhang Wang thought absently as he sat down on a cushion on the floor. "Will you drink?" He asked the demon king, feeling a bit awkward if he didn't at least offer.

Yu Yanlin was standing still and seeming to look around the room curiously. Zhang Wang wondered if he's never been to a brothel before. Eventually, he came over and joined Zhang Wang on the floor, "I suppose I will. There is no harm in doing so."

Even after sitting down, his eyes were still wandering around looking at the obscene murals in the wall that described the Kama Sutra. "Have you never been to such a place before?" Zhang Wang couldn't help his curiosity.

Yu Yanlin looked at him and blinked. There was a slight flush on his skin that almost made him seem innocent when Zhang Wang knew that was far from the truth. "No. I have not. There was never a need to."

Zhang Wang nodded and hid his envy, "Right." The demon king had his own harem after all, why would he ever need to visit a cheap little brothel like this one?

The demon king was quick to add, "I do not mind it though. I think it is very interesting."

Zhang Wang had no idea how this kind of cheap establishment could count as interesting. Unless this demon king character was the type that grew up walled in wondrous palaces his entire life and never had a taste of simplicity before--

…this could possibly be the case. Zhang Wang resisted the urge to facepalm.

A knock came at the door, summoning their attention. Xiao Meizi returned with a healthy supply of jugs that made Zhang Wang's eyes light up in excitement.

"Please excuse me," Xiao Meizi bowed respectfully and joined the two men once again. She set up a small table and prepared three cups of wine. Zhang Wang felt himself salivating. The three of them took their respective cups and gave a light toast.

"To these difficult times," Zhang Wang hummed.

"To good fortune," Xiao Meizi smiled sweetly.

"A better tomorrow," Yu Yanlin joined in.

The atmosphere was calming and relaxed, just like how Zhang Wang liked it. Xiao Meizi was like he expected and good at chatting.

This village had a story not too different from those of other villages. The majority of the men had already conscripted, sent off into the fray of war, leaving behind only the frail, disabled and elderly. The women were left to fend for themselves, the streets barren of youths. And those that remained lived difficult lives, scraping by with the minimal means.

But Xiao Meizi only laughed drying and shrugged, "Perhaps we are just waiting for this place to get raided and destroyed by the demons at this point."

She told them that they were much welcomed guests. Nowadays, the only people she had the hopes of entertaining were the elderly, cripples, and the occasional vagabond.

"That must have been difficult on you," Zhang Wang said with much sympathy as he could muster.

Xiao Meizi only shrugged in response, "The world had been like this since before I was born. It's not like I know any other way of living."

Again, a common story for a world as such. Zhang Wang wondered absently if things would change now. He snuck a glance at the demon king who only sipped at his alcohol calmly, never drinking more than what was considered polite.

Zhang Wang wondered if perhaps the demon king would get his vengeance in this manner, after he was passed out inebriated.

…That couldn't be. He'd already slept in this demon's presence. And not to mention Yu Yanlin truly didn't have a sliver of power at his disposal right now! And their souls were entwined!

The thought made Zhang Wang down his cup a bit faster than he intended and Xiao Meizi was quick to top it up again.

She was a sly girl and waiting until there was color in his cheeks before asking, "Young Masters I can't help but wonder what are two able young men doing passing by these parts? I honestly thought the country was absolutely depleted of young able bodies that have been sent to war. I even heard rumors of women being recruited as well…"

Though she worded it sweetly, her eyes were sharp with curiosity. Zhang Wang had to be careful with his answer.

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